Saraki, Senate Committees And Quest For Excellence -By Chuks Okocha

With the last week completion of the various standing committees of the eighth senate, the members of the upper house in the National Assembly are about to commence their full legislative oversight functions.

Hitherto, the senators were carrying their oversight functions, while the selection committee of the senate was busy trying to ensure that members of the upper chamber are constituted in appropriate committees that would ensure that the round pegs are well placed in round holes.

Also, the constitution of senators into committees, presented the amiable Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki in his true colour of a fair minded politician. This is because, it is the first time in the history of the constitution of the Senate Committees since the commencement of the fourth Republic that the upper chamber has witnessed less rancour.

The bruhaha noticed in the House of Representatives is an evident example of amity observed in the composition of the eighth senate committees.

Senators are full of praises of the sagacity and maturity displayed by the Saraki led Senate. Even, those who had disagreed with him in the past agreed with the leadership qualities he exhibited by the Selection Committee.

In the past, senate presidents used the composition of the committees to settle political scores, but this is not in the character of Saraki who believes that for this administration to make a head way, then square pegs must be fitted in square holes.

He has come to show that the era of politicking is over as the committees are the life wires for the senate oversight duties on the executive arm of government.

Accordingly, the Senate President, while inaugurating the committees, said, “The committee system is at the heart of our legislative processes and activities. It remains the veritable tool that a democratic legislature must rely on for some of its most important assignments including considering, shaping, and passing bills. The effectiveness of our ability to carry out our oversight functions and expose corruption squarely rests on the effectiveness of our committee systems”.

He further said, “It is in this context that you must therefore measure the importance and level of responsibility attached to your membership of these committees. I do not therefore need to remind you to take your assignments very seriously”

The President of the Senate said that in selecting senators into committees, their background experience, knowledge, passion and the highest standard of legislative competence that will help the eighth senate achieve its legislative agenda was the compelling force aside the need for balance. Thus, he said, “You have been chosen also because we have a great task ahead, to think outside the box. I expect that you will work to affirm this choice by discharging your duties diligently. In this regard, regular attendance to meetings cannot be overstressed”.

As a team player, which he is, Saraki therefore said, “The leadership of all senate committees must take care to run an inclusive structure and avoid creating an impression that the affairs of the committee is a one-man show. This Senate will not tolerate such because it is against the spirit and commitment embodied in our legislative agenda which we have freely given to ourselves. “Again, the eighth Senate expects that you will immediately roll up your sleeves and face the work ahead”.

In tasking the Senators on the job ahead, Dr Saraki said, “We also expect that you will treat all bills and reports referred to the committees expeditiously especially those relating to our legislative agenda. The same applies to all your oversight reports.”

He was also mindful of the ethical standards and behaviours of senators, when he said, “This eighth Senate takes ethics very seriously. It is my expectation that in all your dealings especially with government agencies, you will observe high esthetical standards in discharging your duties.”

“You must realize that you are a mirror that citizens will continuously cast their gaze upon. Your behaviour will determine to a large extent how the larger society will perceive every one of us. You must take care that you do not bring ethical questions upon this hallowed chambers. You must put this into consideration as you make your ethical choices while carrying out your duties.”

“Any committee member found in an ethically doubtful behaviour will be sanctioned by this Senate. I have also enjoined management and clerks to observe high standards of ethical behaviour in all their engagement with and for the committees especially on all oversight functions.”

“The Senate leadership today is willing and ready to support your committees with all that is needed to carry out its assignments including adequate funding. I expect you to be innovative and broadminded, learn and bring on board any relevant ingredient from outside jurisdictions that will enrich the quality and content of our law-making.”

The Senate President took time off to set agenda for all the Committees and what is expected of them.

Accordingly, Dr Saraki, while inaugurating the Defence and other security related committees said, “Senate takes keen interest in the activities of these very unique committees for the obvious reasons that they are oversights on the critical security superstructure on which the nation’s territorial integrity rests.”

“May I use this opportunity therefore to salute the gallantry of our men and women who through sheer dedication and patriotism continue to wade off our nation’s enemies especially Boko Haram.”

“This Senate is alive to the enormity of the challenges faced by our military and wishes to once again reassure our men and women of valour of the unflinching support of the Senate and indeed the National Assembly to their welfare. As members of this committee, the Senate has charged you to spare nothing as you work closely with the various ministries and agents of government to ensure accountability and probity in the management of resources appropriated for our military. We owe it as a solemn duty to our nation that our military regains its foothold as a regional power and a formidable military force in the air, sea and land.”

For the Senate Committee on Police, Saraki said, “As noted in our legislative agenda, this Senate is fully aware of the need to recalibrate the Nigeria Police to enable it fulfil its constitutional mandate to provide internal security for our teeming population. For a country of over 170m people, a 350,000 man police is grossly inadequate.

— Okocha is Special Assistant to President of Senate on Print Media